Games That Affect the Eagles

The Eagles are off on Sunday, but with December approaching, we feel OK discussing playoff positioning. Keeping that in mind, here is a quick look at the two games that could affect the Birds this weekend.

CARDINALS AT FALCONS, 4:05 p.m.

Arizona is no longer a lock to win the NFC West and earn a first-round bye. At 9-2, the Cardinals would only be one game up on the 8-4 Seahawks with a loss against the Falcons. And their remaining schedule is no cakewalk. Arizona has the Chiefs and Seahawks at home, along with road games against the Rams and 49ers.

Should the Eagles and Cardinals both win their respective divisions and finish with the same record, Arizona would own the tiebreak because of its victory over the Birds earlier in the season.

At this point, Eagles fans should be rooting for all NFC West teams to lose so that home-field advantage at the Linc is more attainable.

Vegas thinks the Falcons have a legit shot in this one. Atlanta (4-7) is just a 2.5-point underdog at home, and in the horrible NFC South, the Falcons actually still have the playoffs in sight.

PACKERS AT PATRIOTS, 4:25 p.m.

It’s impossible not to be pumped about this matchup between a couple juggernauts. If you’re an Eagles fan, throw on the cut-off hoodie and Uggs, and root for a Patriots victory.

The Packers (8-3) will be in sole possession of first place in the NFC North with a win. If they lose, Detroit has a leg up because the Lions beat Green Bay earlier this season (they meet again in Week 17).

The Packers have the Falcons, Bills, Bucs and Lions after Sunday. I don’t see a realistic loss on their schedule after Sunday. And if there’s one thing the Eagles want to avoid in the postseason, it’s a trip to Lambeau.

With a win vs. New England, Aaron Rodgers and company would be in position to win out and earn the top seed in the NFC. The Packers are 3-point favorites in this one.